Football news: Ratcliffe escapes FA charges; Mourinho made ‘huge mistake’, says Kompany

Guardian Sport

by Jamie Jackson and agencies

February 20, 2026

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s co-owner, has escaped formal charges from the Football Association (FA) following his controversial claim that the UK had been “colonised by immigrants.” The FA decided not to pursue action against Ratcliffe but reminded him of his responsibilities during media interactions. Ratcliffe issued a qualified apology for any offense caused by his choice of words. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick, United’s interim manager, emphasized the club’s commitment to diversity and respect, aligning with the values Sir Jim’s statement had challenged. The second major story involves criticism of José Mourinho, Benfica’s head coach, over his post-match comments following an alleged racist abuse incident involving Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian player reported racial insults from a Benfica fan during a Champions League match, leading to an investigation by UEFA. Mourinho faced backlash for suggesting that “something always happens” in matches featuring Vinícius, which some interpreted as dismissing the severity of the incident. Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich’s head coach and a former Manchester City defender with personal experience of racial abuse, strongly condemned Mourinho’s remarks, calling them a “huge mistake.” Kompany highlighted the importance of supporting victims of discrimination and criticized the attempt to discredit Vinícius’ complaint. The article underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing racism and discrimination within football. Ratcliffe’s case highlights the scrutiny faced by public figures in sports, particularly when making controversial statements about immigration or diversity. Carrick’s defense of United’s values also reflects the increasing expectation for clubs to uphold inclusivity and respect in their operations. In contrast, Kompany’s criticism of Mourinho’s comments demonstrates the broader debate around leadership and accountability in football. The incident involving Vinícius Júnior

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/20/2026